On Friday, May 3, 2013, Liberty University School of Law Dean Mathew Staver delivered a compelling message to hundreds of supporters of Israel gathered at the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., for the Twelfth Annual Israel Solidarity Event. Dean Staver followed addresses given by Dr. Michael Oren, Ambassador of Israel to the United States, and the Rev. Malcom Hedding. The Israel Solidarity Event is held annually to celebrate Israel’s declaration of independence in 1948 and encourages people to stand in solidarity with the right of the Jewish homeland to exist as a sovereign nation. This is the 65th year of Israel’s independence.

As part of his message, Dean Staver urged Christians and Jews to stand in solidarity to one another and for the nation of Israel. “Israel and America share a common bond through our history, heritage, and faith,” he said. “Christians and Jews must stand in solidarity to one another and together must stand in solidarity with Israel and its right to exist as a sovereign nation. Along with our shared common values, Israel and America also share common threats. We are comforted and assured by the Scriptures that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is not intimidated by adversity.”

In 2011, Liberty Counsel, the international nonprofit, litigation, education, and policy organization of which Staver is the founder and chairman, launched the Liberty Ambassador Counsel (LAC) program, which is designed to strengthen ties between Israel and the United States. Among other things, LAC provides tours to Israel with the goals of strengthening the Christian faith of the attendees and equipping them to become Goodwill Ambassadors for Israel. The group tours the biblical and historical sites, but unlike other tours LAC provides opportunities to visit and hear from leaders in government, the military, business, academia, and the religious community. “A trip to Israel is a life-changing experience. You will never be the same. Your faith will be strengthened and you cannot help but be a lifelong Goodwill Ambassador for Israel,” added Staver.

In addition to his role at Liberty University School of Law and Liberty Counsel, Dean Staver also serves on the Board of Trustees for The Timothy Plan, a New York Stock Exchange listed family of morally screened mutual funds. In 2011 The Timothy Plan launched the Israel Common Values Fund. Listed on the New York and Tel Aviv Stock Exchanges, the Israel Common Values Fund buys shares only in Israeli companies doing business in Israel. “While some foreign companies have divested their holdings, the Israel Common Values Fund allows those who support Israel to invest in Israel,” concluded Staver.